What to do to distract from pain?

[Identityhidden]

I've had moderate to severe pain between my legs /lower abdomen since about lunchtime . I can't shake it off. GP and Gynae etc are saying they're at a bit of a loss at to the cause now which makes me think it's just in my mind or something, and if that is the case distraction should make it better. I've taken painkillers (prescribed ones) and tried gentle exercise, eating and drinking etc. I've tried watching TV and reading but I can't get rid of it and don't know what to do. I'm at my mums , she says best thing to do is sleep or try to keep busy , either way not focusing on it? I'm reluctant to sleep during the day but I'm so sore :(

Have GP at 10am tomorrow which is fine , don't want to phone surgery today as worried they would want me to go back to hospital (been admitted twice) . Same with nhs 24 :(

[KayTee87]

Go for a warm bath then hot water bottle when you come out

[MrsJayy]

I have Chronic pain and i sleep it off if it is really bad i also mumsnet too much. Sorry you are suffering hoping they get to the bottom of this

[TrustySnail]

Obvious one, but have you tried a hot bath? You could make it a long one and do a deep condition of hair, face mask, exfoliation sort of things. The bath might ease the pain, and the 'beauty treatments' would be a distraction.

Hope you feel better soon.

[MrsJayy]

Yes a bath

[LoupGarou]

Warm bath with Epsom salts? Or just a warm bath?

This sounds silly but I have developed a coping technique of walling off the pain in my mind, so I imagine putting it in a box and closing the lid. Every time I feel pain again I say "no, not today" to myself in a firm interior voice and visualize slamming the lid shut on the box again. I also tell it that's its working my last nerve whenever it gets persistent.
It sounds stupid but its helped me get through cancer, multiple surgeries and some other pretty nasty stuff. It doesn't take the pain away, but it helps me function, and somehow talking to it helps me to not break down over it when it was at its worst.

[Identityhidden]

I never thought of a bath . I'll try lying down for an hour and then a hot bath sounds good. Might get a hot chocolate as well. Only thing that relieves it just now is bending on all fours with my bum in the air but can't do that constantly!

[LoupGarou]

Oh yes, and sniffing things that smell nice, wearing very soft clothes or wrapping up in a comfy blanket, basically things which engage your senses to distract you.

[LoupGarou]

Yoga breathing helps me too.

[PollytheDolly]

How old are you? Any more details (if you wish to divulge of course)

Sounds pressure related if relief is bottom up in the air.

Definitely salt in the bath will help, wouldn't put bubbles in in case it irritates though.

UTI maybe?

[goose1964]

Deep breathing and clearing my mind helps, a wheat bag is also useful as is a hot bath

[Katy07]

Try lying down with earphones in and music on? The music might (it does for me) stop your brain focussing on the pain & after a while you can take them off and try sleeping...

[mrsBeverleygoldberg]

Tens Machine? My dad had very bad back pain and the only thing that made a difference was the tens Machine. I did the whole first stage of labour at home with the tens machine.

[MrsJayy]

loup the box thing you do is a pain management technique so dont feel daft about doing it.

[Identityhidden]

Fell asleep for about 20 minutes. Went downstairs and had a bit to eat , now watching TV . Painkillers have slowly worked as well.

I think it's probably a UTI yes. Last time I was in hospital they checked my urine and said had a raging infection. I got given amoxicillin as doctor said that would work. They were talking about IV but just did oral.

I'm 25, have had lots of scans (ultrasounds) and a pelvic MRI. Nothing weird found apart from adehsional changes . They won't do a laparoscopy just now , seeing GP tomorrow to discuss further options.

The pain box sounds a very good idea as does a TENs. Have a referral to chronic pain teams but that could be a wee while I think.

[Destinysdaughter]

Maybe look for a deep relaxation meditation on YouTube, that May help relax/distract you. I have chronic back pain so am always looking for things to help.

Was going to suggest a glass of but may not be such a good idea!

Or even watching some comedy, laughing is very beneficial...

[Identityhidden]

Ooh definitely not wine as much as I'd love one. None in the house anyway.

I think it is a urine infection but I've no stinging when weeing just pain in my tummy. The cocodamol has dulled it but feel drunk. Bed in half an hour or so maybe.

I did try a comedy dvd too which was good, mind was thinking about something else so that's good.

[HollaHolla]

Ahhh Loup - I have a chronic pain problem and do the same 'pain cupboard' technique. Otherwise it would be screaming and weeping, and people look at you funny in the street if you start doing that.

OP, I'd second the heat/bath option.... And whatever position is comfiest.

[lovelearning]

cocodamol

Identityhidden

Drink lots of water

A hot bath will help knock you out for the night

[DailyFail1]

Lots of water and diluted juice, eating natural live yoghurt, usually sorts my utis out.

[MoonshineJungle]

Cbd oil for pain has helped more than what the doctors have ever offered!

[PollytheDolly]

Hormonal Contraception caused my UTI's. one after the other. God it was miserable. I felt like utter crap for 18 months. Antibiotics only worked for as long as I took them. Over the counter remedies complete waste of time and money.

Just a thought.

Hope you're feeling better today?

[Identityhidden]

A little bit. Feeling quite sick but have GP in not too long. I'm on decapeptyl injections and the mini pill so that could explain it, I'm quite dry/sore down below. Suppose lack of oestrogen maybe makes utis more likely.

[Identityhidden]

No UTI they don't think but they're no closer to answer. I've to reduce painkillers until I'm taking them only when pain starts and not all the time. I've to stop my gabapentin and start taking nortriptilyine . They're also planning to reschedule a laparoscopy for June or July (having cancelled the most recent one as they said my shape would make it very difficult to do). I've to try to lose weight to 13 stone.. I'm 16.3 just now so that's not going to be at all easy but will keep trying.